Community Development

Nicole Milton

FHLBank Indianapolis first-time home ownership program making Michiganders’ dreams a reality

FHLBank Indianapolis HomeBoost program offered up to $15,000 in down payment and closing and counseling costs assistance in its pilot year. For the program's return, those who qualify can receive up to $25,000.  

Latest in Community Development
Dr. Annie Bishop, of Rise Wellness Chiropractic, is pictured with Kristin Revere, owner of Gold Coast Doulas.
Rising diaper costs impact families: West Michigan diaper drive offers support

Since the pandemic, diaper prices have surged by 48%, costing families up to $1,000 a year per child. A diaper drive in September hopes to collect 15,000 diapers to distribute to families in need.

Lord of the Rings-themed crafts and a "walk to Mordor" (with Tolkien buttons as prizes) will be part of Herrick District Library's Lord of the Rings Week.
Take an unexpected journey to the Herrick District Library for Tolkien fun

Herrick District Library is celebrating all things of Middle Earth with a week of Tolkien events. From walking to Mordor to creating hobbit crafts to competing in a Lord of the Rings trivia night, patrons can find something unexpected every day Sept. 16-20.

The 190-unit mixed-income development broke ground last month along Holland Township’s Lakewood Boulevard and will be completed in phases over the next two years.
Affordable housing options expand with Holland’s Lakewood Place Apartment Village groundbreaking

To be completed in phases in 2025 and 2026, Lakewood Place Apartment Village will be one of the region’s largest mixed-income housing developments alongside commercial and park space, creating a connectivity along Holland Township's Lakewood Boulevard.

READ Ottawa Executive Director Ally Velderman
READ Ottawa has new, familiar executive director

READ Ottawa is welcoming Ally Velderman back to West Michigan as its new executive director.

Hadley Streng, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation president.
Area community foundations give out $910,000 at Scholarship Ice Cream Social

This year, the GHACF, in collaboration with the Allendale Community Foundation and Coopersville Area Community Foundation, awarded more than $910,000 in scholarships to 234 area students.

Hero Walk family team
Autism Hero Walk raises funds while raising awareness

Promoted as "Michigan's largest gathering of the autistic community — 6,000+ families and autistic persons coming together to celebrate everyday superheroes,” The Autism Hero Walk takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.

Sweet Temptations workers make sweet treats every day.
40 years of sweet treats on the Grand Haven Boardwalk

Some say the Grand Haven Boardwalk and Sweet Temptations Ice Cream go together like peanut butter and jelly — or maybe chocolate and vanilla swirl. The pair is celebrating their joint 40th anniversary this year.

A high jumper competes in the 2024 Hartford Nationals.
West Michigan to Host 2025 and 2026 National Adaptive Sports Championship

Grand Rapids will host the 2025 and 2026 Hartford Nationals, showcasing adaptive athletes and highlighting the city’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and world-class sporting events.

Volunteers lend a hand at LHFH’s Critical Home Repair Program.
Critical Home Repair program expands to Allegan County

A $50,000 grant from the Allegan County Community Foundation has enabled Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity to hire its first home repair coordinator and extend service to Allegan County.

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